What Cheer Man Talks to Supervisors About “Misuse of Law Enforcement Funds”

SIGOURNEY – During the March 18 meeting of the Keokuk County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Mike Hadley stated he had spoken to other county supervisors who had allowed wind turbines in their counties who stated they hadn’t seen adverse effects and that installing turbines was not a big deal. Andy McGuire of the Highway Department stated he had spoken to several people who installed wind turbines and regretted it. Supervisor Derek Wood brought up the fact that electricity from turbines needs to be carried away via buried wires. Wood stated he would prefer not to bury power lines in right aways, but that property owners may not let lines go through their easements. McGuire questioned if the county had the authority to run power lines.

County Treasurer Christine Edmundson Long told the board that she is suffering from staffing problems, due to an employee retiring and Edmundson Long not being allowed to hire a replacement. Edmundson Long stated that her office is very busy, especially when employees are sick or on vacation. She stated that her office could go down to only doing licenses one day a week, something she does not want to do. County Auditor Christy Bates stated that things were scary due to county budget problems and that she doesn’t know what the county will do in coming years. Hadley stated that things are not changing and Wood stated that things will get worse.

A What Cheer man asked the board for help dealing with a neighbor of his who he claims is causing the misuse of law enforcement time and money. He stated that this neighbor blocks the street and alley near his house and frequently calls the Sheriff’s Department on him to litigate arguments. He stated that the city of What Cheer will not help him and that he feels singled out. The board stated that they do not have jurisdiction and recommended the man hire an attorney.